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What is a Free Zone in UAE?
Free zones in the UAE are dedicated business jurisdictions designed for quick company formation and international operations. There are over 40 free zones across the country, each offering different facilities such as flexi-desks, offices, warehouses, and industrial plots.
Each free zone varies in terms of licensing packages, visa eligibility, and included services. Choosing the right one depends on your business activity, operational needs, and budget.
Prices are valid as of April 2026
Abu Dhabi freezones
Dubai freezones
Sharjah freezones
Ras Al Khaima freezones
Fujairah freezones
Fujairah freezones
Free Zone Company Setup in the UAE
Cost of Free Zone Company Setup
Free zone businesses in the UAE are popular because of their bundled setup structure.
You can obtain a trade license quickly, often without visiting physically.
Basic packages usually start from around AED 4,999 for zero-visa options.
What is included
- Company registration and 1-year trade license
- Flexi-desk or shared workspace
- Visa eligibility
Extra costs to plan
- Consultancy fees
- Immigration file setup
- Visa processing (medical, Emirates ID, stamping)
- Office upgrades if required
- Banking and compliance costs
- VAT or corporate tax registration
- Accounting services
Most Affordable Free Zone Options
If your goal is to start at the lowest cost, some emirates offer budget-friendly packages:
- SPC Free Zone: from AED 4,999
- RAKEZ: from AED 5,499
- SHAMS: from AED 5,750
Dubai options are usually higher. For example, Meydan Free Zone starts from around AED 12,500.
Key Benefits of Free Zone Businesses
- Cost-effective for remote or service-based businesses
- Quick and simple setup process
- Bundled packages with license and visa eligibility
- Potential tax advantages
When a Free Zone May Not Be Ideal
- If you need direct mainland operations
- If your activity requires special approvals
- If you need a high number of visas
- If you don’t meet tax qualification criteria
Taxes in UAE Free Zones
Personal Income
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, allowing individuals to earn without additional tax on salary.
Corporate Tax
A 9% corporate tax applies to profits above AED 375,000, with possible 0% benefits for qualifying companies.
VAT Overview
VAT is charged at 5% on most goods and services, with mandatory registration thresholds.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
- Select business activity and license type
- Choose legal structure
- Submit documents and register
- Receive trade license
- Apply for establishment card
- Process visas
- Obtain Emirates ID
- Open a corporate bank account
Requirements for Company Formation
Documents
- Passport copies
- Passport-size photos
- Contact details
- Company information
Nationality
Most free zones allow 100% foreign ownership and accept almost all nationalities.
Business Plan
Some free zones may request a business plan depending on the activity.
Office Requirement
A registered address is required, ranging from flexi-desks to full offices or warehouses.
Where You Can Operate
Free zone companies can operate internationally and within the zone. Mainland operations may require additional approvals.
Corporate Bank Account
Opening a bank account is essential and involves compliance checks by UAE banks.
Requirements
- Company documents
- Shareholder identification
- Business activity details
- Proof of address
- Source of funds
Timeline
Typically takes 1–3 months depending on compliance checks.
Minimum Balance
Ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 500,000 depending on account type.
Residence Visa
Most packages include visa eligibility, but processing costs are separate.
- 0-visa packages are cheaper but limit residency
- Visa packages allow full UAE residency access
A UAE residence visa allows access to banking, family sponsorship, and essential services.
Expert Name
The lowest-cost options are typically 0-visa packages. For instance, an ePublishing license in SPC Free Zone may start from around AED 4,999. This base price usually covers company registration, a one-year trade license, and a basic flexi-desk or registered address. However, it often excludes visa costs, immigration fees, office upgrades, and banking requirements.
The process generally involves selecting your business activities, submitting the required documents and application, paying the applicable fees, signing a lease agreement, and receiving your trade license. If visas are needed, you’ll then open an immigration file. Delays can occur due to incorrect activity selection, missing documents, or additional approvals.
Yes, many free zones allow remote company registration and initial documentation. However, you will usually need to visit the UAE later for visa-related procedures such as medical tests and biometrics, and often for opening a corporate bank account.
Banks typically request your trade license, company formation documents (MoA/AoA), proof of address, lease agreement, shareholder passports, Emirates ID (if applicable), and a business profile outlining your operations. Additional documents like bank statements, CVs, and contracts may also be required.
In some cases, yes — but it depends on your situation. A 0-visa package works best if you already have UAE residency. Many banks prefer or require a resident signatory with an Emirates ID, so non-residents may face limitations or longer processing times.
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